Best Sushi Bar (2012)

Top-notch sushi doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive or posh. At this stark West Village gem, co-chefs/-owners Jimmy Lau and Nick Kim take their years of serious sushi experience at Masa, the city's gilded temple of sushi, and bring it down to earth. Neta's prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and everything is delivered with minimum fuss. Every bite of raw fish on warm rice is a joy, but you'll be missing out if you don't order some of the hot dishes, like the silky uni porridge. 61 West 8th Street, 212-505-2610, netanyc.com (10011)